Impact reducing protective headgear

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides protective headgear which includes magnetic material configured such that the impact of a collision to the head of a wearer is reduced. In one embodiment, protective headgear, such as a helmet, is provided with a first magnetic material disposed in the helmet in at least one region of the helmet, wherein the first magnetic material is configured to exert a magnetic repulsive force against a second helmet including a second magnetic material of the same polarity, such that the impact forces of a direct helmet-to-helmet collision are reduced or avoided. The invention additionally provides a system for impact reduction including protective headgear, such as one or more helmets, and optionally one or more neck pads or body armor comprising magnetic material, and a method for reducing the impact from a collision experienced by a wearer of the protective headgear.

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/935,990 filed Feb. 5, 2014, the disclosure of which is entirely incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to protective headgear and more particularly to protective headgear that includes magnetic material configured to reduce impact forces due to contact with protective headgear including magnetic material of the same polarity.

BACKGROUND

Millions of concussions occur in the United States each year, many of which result from contact sports participation. Despite the widespread use of protective helmets in contact sports, head injuries continue to occur at an unacceptably high rate. Current sports helmet technology has focused on ways to absorb the energy from a direct impact through padding or cushioning in order to decrease concussion rates. While the helmets are able to absorb some of the energy from a collision or impact, the brain remains susceptible to injury.

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury resulting from the sudden jarring of the brain in the skull. The brain is coupled to the skull by cerebral spinal fluid, which acts as a cushion for the brain. The cerebral spinal fluid is able to protect the brain from colliding with the skull when subjected to slight jarring. However, subjected to more intense or severe disturbances, the fluid is unable to adequately protect the brain from injury. For example, when the head rapidly accelerates and then suddenly stops, the brain keeps moving crashing into the fluid surrounding it. The fluid is displaced causing stress on the brain by compression and shear. Such stress can result in bruising of the brain, broken blood vessels, or nerve damage. Accordingly, protecting the skull from fracture is insufficient by itself to fully protect the brain.

To reduce brain injury, a helmet should also reduce the force the brain experiences against the skull. When two objects collide, as in the case of two helmets colliding, both are accelerating. Once impact occurs, the objects rapidly decelerate. It is the latter—the rapid deceleration—that causes head injury. Helmets help mitigate head injury by slowing down the deceleration—in other words, dissipating the force over a longer period of time.

Current technology slows down the rapid deceleration by having material inside the helmet that cushions the blow by absorbing much of the energy. The material is typically crushable foam or inflated padding. Upon impact, the foam or padding material crushes, controlling the crash energy and extending the head's stopping time by about 6 ms to reduce the peak impact to the brain. The brain experiences a milder impact than without the shock-absorbing material. Nevertheless, despite the positive effect the current helmet technology has had on the rate of traumatic brain injury, the concussion rate remains relatively high. Thus, there remains a need for a helmet that can further reduce the impact of collisions and in turn, further reduce the occurrence of traumatic brain injury.

SUMMARY

The present invention may help solve the aforementioned need by utilizing the strong repulsive forces of magnets of the same polarity. The present invention provides a helmet with magnetic material which will help to deflect an impact to the wearer's brain when it comes into direct contact with another helmet of the same polarity. The repulsive forces help deflect a direct helmet-to-helmet collision.

The present invention provides an improved helmet wherein the power of magnets is utilized to reduce direct impact to the wearer and subsequently lower head injury and concussion risk. By incorporating the repelling characteristics of magnets with like charges, the invention is able to deflect helmet-to-helmet direct contact. By lowering the impact force on the helmet and therefore the brain, the frequency of head injuries and concussions is reduced. Furthermore, because the magnets are so powerful and light, there is minimal increase in helmet weight.

Embodiments of the present invention provide protective headgear, such as a helmet, comprising a structure configured to at least partially surround a head of a wearer and a first magnetic material disposed in the helmet in at least one region of the helmet, wherein the first magnetic material is configured to exert a magnetic repulsive force against a second helmet comprising a second magnetic material of the same polarity, such that the impact forces of a direct helmet-to-helmet collision are reduced or avoided. In one embodiment, the structure may comprise a shell configured to at least partially surround a head of a wearer, the shell comprising an outer surface and an inner surface. The structure may additionally comprise a pad assembly. In one embodiment, the helmet comprises a front region, a crown region, lateral regions, and a back region, wherein at least one of the front region, crown region, lateral regions, and back region comprises magnetic material. In some embodiments, magnetic material may extend along at least one of the front region, crown region, lateral regions, and back region, or partially extends along at least one of the regions. Magnetic material may comprise a plurality of magnets configured throughout the helmet.

In certain embodiments, magnetic material may be adjacent to the outer surface of the shell. In another embodiment, magnetic material may be adjacent to the inner surface of the shell. In either, magnetic material may extend along the shell, in any of the front region, crown region, lateral regions, and back region. In some embodiments, magnetic material is adjacent to both the outer surface and the inner surface and may extend along the shell, in any of the front region, crown region, lateral regions, and back region.

In one alternative embodiment, the shell may comprise magnetic material configured to at least partially surround a head of a wearer. The shell may comprise a composite material comprising magnetic material. In a preferred embodiment, the composite material may comprise a resin and magnetic particles, such as powder or nanoparticles.

In one embodiment, magnetic material may comprise permanent magnets. Magnetic material may comprise an alloy of aluminum, iron, nickel, manganese, zinc, copper, titanium, cobalt, or oxides of one of more of these elements, such as alnico or ferrite magnets. In a preferred embodiment, magnetic material may comprise neodymium and/or samarium. In some embodiments, magnetic material is coated or plated. In a further embodiment, magnetic material is both plated and coated, with one or more layers of each. In certain embodiments, magnetic material may be coupled to the components of the helmet, such as by an adhesive, by being sown into the structure, or by one or more mechanical fasteners.

In one embodiment, magnetic material may be configured to exert a pull force greater than 20 pounds force against a second helmet comprising magnetic material of the same polarity. In certain other embodiments, magnetic material may be configured to exert a pull force greater than 40 pounds force against a second helmet comprising magnetic material of the same polarity.

In some embodiments, the helmet may be used in conjunction with a sensor configured to collect data regarding force of impact the wearer receives. The structure may comprise at least one sensor configured to collect data regarding force of impact the wearer receives. The sensor may be located throughout the helmet, for example, adjacent to the shell, in a mouth piece connected to the helmet, facemask, pad assembly, or elsewhere as part of the helmet.

In one embodiment, the pad assembly may comprise shock-absorbing material, such as foam and/or pressurized fluid pads. In a further embodiment, the pad assembly comprises magnetic material in addition to the shock-absorbing material.

In certain embodiments, the helmet comprises a facemask disposed to at least partially cover the face of the wearer. In one embodiment, the facemask comprises magnetic material. In some embodiments, the facemask does not comprise magnetic material.

In a further embodiment, the helmet of the present invention is particularly useful in an impact reduction system. For instance, the system can comprise a plurality of helmets, each of said helmets comprising a structure configured to at least partially surround a head of a wearer and a first magnetic material disposed in the helmet in at least one region of the helmet, wherein the first magnetic material is configured to exert a magnetic repulsive force against a second helmet comprising a second magnetic material of the same polarity, such that the impact forces of a direct helmet-to-helmet collision is reduced or avoided. The plurality of helmets can comprise magnetic material of the same polarity, such that a first helmet of said plurality of helmets is repelled by the magnetic material on a second helmet of said plurality of helmets. In certain embodiments, the impact reduction system may be used in an athletic competition. In one embodiment, the impact reduction system may be used in conjunction with a sensor configured to collect data regarding force of impact the wearer receives.

In one embodiment, the helmet of the present invention may be useful in a method of reducing impact from a collision, the method comprising the steps of providing a helmet, wherein the helmet comprises a structure configured to at least partially surround a head of a wearer and a first magnetic material disposed in the helmet in at least one region of the helmet, wherein the first magnetic material is configured to exert a magnetic repulsive force against a second helmet comprising a second magnetic material of the same polarity, such that the impact forces of a direct helmet-to-helmet collision is reduced or avoided. In one embodiment, the method may comprise providing a plurality of helmets comprising magnetic material of the same polarity. The method may comprise deflecting a first helmet of a plurality of helmets by magnetic material of a second helmet of a plurality of helmets. In certain embodiments, the method of reducing impact from a collision may be used in an athletic competition. In one embodiment, the method of reducing impact from a collision may be used in conjunction with a sensor configured to collect data regarding force of impact the wearer receives.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front view of an embodiment of a helmet showing magnetic material located beneath the shell and wherein the helmet comprises sensors to collect data regarding the wearer's collisions.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a helmet showing layers of material comprising the helmet wherein magnetic material is located beneath the shell.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a helmet showing magnetic material located on the outside of the shell.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a helmet showing a plurality of magnets located on the outside of the shell.

FIG. 5 is a side view of an embodiment of a helmet showing the shell comprising a composite material.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a helmet showing the layers of material comprising the helmet wherein the shell is a composite of magnetic material.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the impact reduction system showing the magnetic repulsive force between two helmets of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the impact reduction system showing a cowboy collar comprising magnetic material.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of the arrangement of a plurality of magnets utilized in the experimental testing.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the impact reduction system showing a vest comprising magnetic material.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

With reference to FIG. 1, a helmet in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is illustrated and designated by reference 10. The helmet 10 comprises a shell 12 configured to at least partially surround a head of a wearer. The helmet comprises magnetic material 14 configured to exert a magnetic repulsive force against a second helmet comprising magnetic material of the same polarity. The magnetic material may be configured in the helmet to have either the north or south pole facing outside of the helmet 10.

The shell 12 may be any material capable of being formed into a structure that partially surrounds the head of a wearer, including but not limited to, any suitable plastic or metallic material. The shape may vary based on the use of the helmet. Helmets for certain sports such as football are shaped differently than that of hockey. The shape may vary to provide coverage of the areas more likely to be hit. Suitable plastic materials may include those such as polycarbonate or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, as used in many football helmets, or vinyl nitrile, as used in many hockey helmets. Other possible shell materials include aluminum ceramic foams, ceramic sheeting, carbon foams, carbon fiber composites, closed cell foams, expanded polystyrene or polypropylene, epoxy or thermoplastic composite, fiberglass, fluid filled chambers, magnesium, nanotubes, open cell foams, and polyurethane. International Publication WO 2013/148633 describes various possible shell materials that may be suitable for a football helmet. As described later, in some embodiments, the shell may comprise magnetic material in combination with one or more of the above materials.

As shown in FIG. 1, magnetic material 14 may be disposed adjacent to the shell 12 and disposed under the shell 12. In certain embodiments of the invention, magnetic material of the invention may include any permanent magnet. A permanent magnet is a material magnetized to create its own persistent magnetic field. Ferromagnetic materials are those easily magnetized to form permanent magnets. The magnetic material may include an alloy comprising one or more of aluminum, barium, iron, nickel, manganese, strontium carbonate, zinc, copper, titanium, cobalt, or oxides of one of more of these elements, such as alnico or ferrite magnets. Alnico is a permanent magnet primarily comprising iron, aluminum, nickel, and cobalt. Ferrite is a permanent magnet primarily comprising iron oxide and the oxides of one or more other metals such as barium, strontium carbonate, manganese, nickel, and/or zinc. The magnetic material may comprise flexible magnets comprising permanent magnets mixed with a plastic binder and typically in the form of sheets or strips. While not exhibiting as strong magnetic forces as others, flexible magnets may be used when weaker forces are desired or may be used in conjunction with stronger magnetic material. Naturally occurring magnets, such as lodestone, may be incorporated into the magnetic material.

The magnetic material may include a rare earth element such as neodymium and/or samarium alone or in combination with other materials, such as those listed above. Rare earth elements are those elements of the lanthanide group of the periodic table plus scandium and yttrium. At least some of these magnets have been found to exhibit magnetic forces, such as neodymium, samarium, praseodymium, gadolinium, and dysprosium. In a preferred embodiment, the magnetic material may comprise an alloy of neodymium and/or samarium, such as neodymium-iron-boron and samarium-cobalt. Such materials are generally lighter and may provide more compact magnetic strength. As such, these materials may be easily incorporated throughout the helmet, alone or in combination with other magnetic material. For example, powder neodymium alloy may be incorporated into the plastic binder of flexible magnets along with other permanent magnetic material to produce a magnetic sheet exhibiting stronger magnetic forces.

Some magnetic materials, for instance rare earth metals such as neodymium or samarium, are prone to corrosion and/or brittle. To protect the material from corrosion or to protect the material from breaking, in certain embodiments of the invention, the magnetic material may be coated with one or more components. Any coating appropriate for the particular application of the helmet may be used, including but not limited to epoxy, paralyene, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyisoprene, or the like, alone or in combination. Instead of a coating or in combination with a coating, the magnetic material may be plated with a metal or metallic alloy. Any metal appropriate for the particular application of the helmet may be used, including but not limited to nickel, copper, zinc, gold, silver, tin, titanium, titanium nitride, or chromium, alone or in combination. For instance, the magnetic material may be plated with Ni—Cu—Ni. In certain embodiments, the magnetic material may be both plated and coated, such as nickel plating with an epoxy coating. The magnetic material may be plated and/or coated with one or more layers of each.

In some instances, the magnets may be painted. For example, if the magnetic material is located adjacent to the outer surface, it may be desired to paint the magnetic material in colors of a team for an athletic competition, or to indicate the position of a player in an athletic competition.

Magnets are often characterized by their pull force, or the holding force of a magnet in contact with a steel plate or a magnet of the same type. Essentially, pull force is the force used to pull apart a magnet and another magnetic object. Generally, repelling magnets will exert a repulsive force of the same magnitude as the pull force. The effective pull force, i.e. the pull force one actually experiences in practice, may differ due to uneven contact between objects, pulling the magnet in a direction other than perpendicular to the object (i.e., lateral and rotational forces), the material being pulled against, surface coatings or defects, and other factors. For some embodiments of the present invention, the repulsive force of individual magnets may be from 0.01 to 150 lbs., depending on the configuration and purpose of the magnetic material as a whole. The repulsive force exerted by the magnetic material may vary with position on the helmet and may depend on the configuration of the magnetic material. Preferably, magnetic material on a helmet exerts a repulsive force greater than 10 lbs., greater than 20 lbs., greater than 30 lbs., and more preferably, greater than 40 lbs. For example, the magnetic material may exert a repulsive force of 5-150 lbs., 10-120 lbs., 20-80 lbs., or 40-60 lbs. in some regions of the helmet. Magnets of such force should be handled with care as anything between two magnets of opposite polarities may be crushed between the two magnets due to the attractive forces.

Typically, magnets may be magnetized by exposing them to a strong magnetic field. The grade of the magnet is then determined as the maximum strength that the material can be magnetized to. Generally, the grade of magnet increases with increasing strength. For example, a grade N42 magnet is a neodymium magnet with a maximum energy product of 42 MGOe (unit millions of Gauss Oersted). In certain embodiments, the maximum energy strength should be greater than 10 MGOe, preferably greater than 20 MGOe, and more preferably, greater than 25 MGOe. For example, the magnetic material may have a maximum energy strength of 1-150 MGOe, 10-100 MGOe, 20-75 MGOe, or 25-60 MGOe.

Magnets also have a maximum operating temperature and a Curie temperature. Above the maximum operating temperature, a magnet will lose a fraction of its magnetic strength, or begin to demagnetize. Above the Curie temperature, the magnet will lose all of its magnetic properties. For instance, standard neodymium magnets have a maximum operating temperature of 176° F. (80° C.) and a Curie temperature of 590° F. (310° C.). However, higher temperature grades of neodymium are available with maximum operating temperatures of 302° F. (150° C.), for instance. Certain samarium-cobalt magnets are able to withstand temperatures up to 350° C., with a Curie temperature of over 750° C.

FIG. 1 additionally illustrates an embodiment where the helmet is used in conjunction with a sensor configured to collect data regarding the force of impact the wearer receives. Sensors 32 may be located throughout the helmet 10. As shown in FIG. 1, sensors 32 may be located adjacent to the shell 12 and disposed under the shell 12. In some embodiments, a sensor 32 may be located in the mouth guard 22, which may be attached to the helmet 10 by any known means.

FIG. 1 additionally illustrates a helmet comprising a facemask 20 disposed to at least partially cover the face of a wearer. The facemask may comprise any suitable material capable of being shaped into a form sufficient to at least partially cover the face of a wearer and may be attached to the helmet by any known means. Suitable materials include plastic, metal, or a composite of plastic and/or metal, in the form of bars, wires, or rods. For instance, the facemask may comprise carbon fiber reinforced plastic. Many facemasks are currently made from carbon steel or titanium. The facemask may be coated, such as with a polymeric composition, or remain uncoated. The facemask may also be in the form of a solid sheet of plastic, metal, or a composite of plastic and/or metal. In some embodiments, the facemask may not comprise magnetic material. For instance, the facemask may comprise non-ferrous material such as copper or aluminum.

In one embodiment, the facemask may comprise magnetic material. For instance, the facemask may comprise a metal alloy or a composite, wherein the alloy or composite exhibit magnetic properties. The structure and components of the facemask may vary based on the purpose of the helmet and/or the wearer's position in the athletic competition, should the helmet be used for such activity.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the invention where magnetic material 14 is adjacent to the shell 12 and disposed between the shell 12 and the pad assembly 16. FIG. 2 further illustrates the outer surface 38 and the inner surface 36 of the shell 12. Magnetic material may be adjacent to the inner surface 36. In some embodiments, magnetic material may be adjacent to the outer surface 38. In a further embodiment, magnetic material may be adjacent to the inner surface 36 and the outer surface 38.

In certain embodiments, magnetic material may be coupled to a surface in the helmet utilizing an adhesive. Suitable adhesives include, but are not limited to, epoxies, acrylic adhesives, urethane adhesives, silicone adhesives, and other such adhesives, in any suitable form such as liquid, tape, or spray. For example, commercial products such as 3M™ VHB™, an acrylic foam tape, or LOCTITE® 392™, also an acrylic adhesive, with LOCTITE® 7380™ activator, may be used to couple magnetic material to a surface in the helmet. In another embodiment, magnetic material may be coupled to a surface in the helmet by being sown into the helmet. For example, magnetic material may be sown into the pad assembly or an interior lining or exterior lining of the shell. In some embodiments, magnetic material may be coupled to a surface with the use of mechanical fasteners, including but not limited to bolts, screws, straps, rivets, and the like. In one embodiment, magnetic material may be pushed into a helmet with a snap fit feature.

The pad assembly may comprise any material that may be utilized to absorb energy from a collision. The shock-absorbing pad assembly reduces energy absorbed by the brain and in turn, reduces the damage that the brain experiences. The pad assembly may comprise a plurality of materials, such as foams or pressurized fluid pads, alone or in combination. The pad assembly may comprise magnetic material in conjunction with shock-absorbing materials such as foams or pressurized fluid pads. For instance, magnetic material may be coupled to channels between the foam and/or padding. Suitable foams include but are not limited to vinyl nitrile foam, rubber foam, expanded polypropylene, expanded polystyrene, expanded polyethylene, expanded polyurethane, and the like. The pressurized fluid may be any such fluid suitable for a helmet, such as air. The pressurized fluid may be introduced into the pad assembly by a system of valves and tubing to allow the pads to be inflated to a desire level, such as to inflate the pads so that the helmet comfortably fits the wearer. International Publication WO 2013/148633 describes various possible shock-absorbing materials specifically for a football helmet.

As shown in FIG. 2, a pad assembly 16 may be disposed adjacent to the shell 12 and adjacent to an inner lining 18. The pad assembly 16 may comprise a layer of foam, which may be encased by an inner lining 18. In the alternative, the pad assembly 16 may comprise pressurized fluid pads, which may be enclosed by an inner lining 18. Interior linings such as inner lining 18 and exterior linings may be made from any suitable material, such as natural and synthetic fabrics.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention wherein magnetic material is located adjacent to the shell 12 and adjacent to the outer surface. The helmet structure 10 includes a front region 24, crown region 26, lateral regions 28, and a back region 30. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the various regions of the structure include magnetic material 14. In certain embodiments, the location and amount of the magnetic material may vary based on the body parts covered in that region. For instance, the front region and crown region, covering the pre-frontal cortex, may necessitate stronger magnetic forces to protect these more sensitive regions as compared to the back region, such that more magnetic material or stronger magnetic material is used in the front and crown regions.

The location and/or amount of magnetic material may also vary based on the use of the helmet, such as in various athletic competitions, and within those competitions, the location and amount may vary based on the wearer's position in the competition. Magnetic material may extend over one or more regions of the helmet. FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment wherein magnetic material 14 comprises a plurality of magnetic material located throughout the various regions of the structure. Magnetic material may be in the form of chips, rods, rings, blocks, cylinders, cubes, discs, spheres, arcs, wire, sheets, or the like in various sizes and locations throughout the helmet. Magnetic material may be shaped into custom shapes to conform to the shape of a wearer's head. In a further embodiment, magnetic material may be shaped to cover the head of a wearer and may be used in conjunction with the shell or in place of the shell.

In FIG. 4, the plurality of magnetic material is positioned adjacent to the shell 12; however, instead of or in addition to this placement, the plurality may be positioned adjacent to the inner surface of the shell and/or as a part of the pad assembly. For instance, magnetic material may be incorporated between layers of foam and/or padding in the pad assembly.

FIGS. 3 and 4 further illustrate an optional chin strap 34, which secures the helmet to the wearer. The chin strap may be manufactured by known methods in the art and may be formed of any suitable material, including but not limited to polycarbonate, polyurethane, polyester, polyvinylchloride, and the like. As known in the art, the chin strap may comprise foam and/or padding. In one embodiment, the chin strap may comprise magnetic material. Magnetic material may be incorporated into the chin strap by coupling magnetic material to the plastic material with an adhesive, by sowing magnetic material into the padding, by utilizing a composite of a suitable resin and magnetic material as the chin strap or as part of the chin strap, or by being mechanically secured, such as with a bolt or screws.

FIG. 5 illustrates a helmet 10 comprising magnetic material configured to exert a magnetic repulsive force against a second helmet comprising magnetic material of the same polarity wherein the shell 12 of the helmet 10 comprises magnetic material 14. The shell is configured to at least partially surround a head of a wearer 50. The shell 12 may comprise a composite of magnetic material 14. In some embodiments, the shell is formed of a composite of a resin and magnetic material. The magnetic material may be in any form available, such as solid particles including but not limited to magnetic powders or nanoparticles. The resin may be any suitable resin able to provide sufficient structure and support to the helmet, including but not limited to polyamide and polyphenylene sulfide. In some embodiments, the helmet 10 may comprise a shell 12 comprising materials such as an alloy of magnetic material. The magnetic material may be formed of any suitable method, including but not limited to sintering, casting, hot extrusion or injection molding. FIG. 5 illustrates the magnetic material on the shell to show that the shell comprises magnetic material; however, it should be recognized that, in practice, an ordinary observer may not see the magnetic material as distinct from the resin.

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the helmet wherein the shell 12 is a composite of magnetic material 14. The pad assembly 16 is adjacent to the shell 12 and an inner lining 18.

The helmet may be used for any activity where there is a likelihood of impact with another helmet. Indeed, the helmet may be used in athletic competitions, including but not limited to football; hockey; lacrosse; race car racing, such as in NASCAR®; or other such competitions utilizing protective headgear. Referring back to FIG. 1, an embodiment is illustrated of a helmet of the invention configured for use in football. Also referring back, in FIG. 5, an embodiment is illustrated of a helmet of the invention configured for use in race car racing, such as in NASCAR®.

Another aspect of the invention includes an impact reduction system comprising a plurality of helmets, each of the helmets comprising a structure configured to at least partially surround a head of a wearer and a first magnetic material disposed in the helmet in at least one region of the helmet, wherein the first magnetic material is configured to exert a magnetic repulsive force against a second helmet comprising a second magnetic material of the same polarity, such that the impact forces of a direct helmet-to-helmet collision is reduced or avoided. The impact reduction system may comprise a plurality of helmets comprising magnetic material of the same polarity. As illustrated in FIG. 7, a first helmet 40 is deflected by the magnetic repulsive forces created between the first magnetic material 44 on the first helmet 40 and the second magnetic material 46 on the second helmet 42. The first helmet comprises magnetic material of the same polarity of the second helmet configured such that when the first helmet comes near the second helmet, the repulsive forces help prevent the two helmets from having a direct helmet-to-helmet collision. Rather than a direct collision, the use of the magnetic material in both helmets allows for the helmets to experience glancing blows. The impact experienced by the wearer may be reduced by up to 80%, such as from 15-60%. FIG. 7 illustrates the magnetic material on the shell to show that the shell comprises magnetic material; however, it should be recognized that, in practice, an ordinary observer may not see the magnetic material as distinct from the resin.

The impact reduction system may be used for any activity where there is a likelihood of impact between two helmets. In certain embodiments of the invention, the impact reduction system may be utilized in an athletic competition. For example, the impact reduction system may be utilized in football; hockey; lacrosse; race car racing, such as in NASCAR®; or other such competitions utilizing protective headgear. The location and amount of magnetic material in the helmet may depend on the wearer's position in the athletic competition. Indeed, a helmet for a lineman in football may comprise magnetic material in a different amount and/or location than a helmet for a kicker. Not all players of an athletic competition may use the present helmet and may instead use conventional pad-filled helmets.

In certain other embodiments of the invention, an impact reduction system comprises a helmet used in conjunction with one or more sensors configured to collect data regarding force of impact the wearer receives. Suitable sensors for collecting data regarding the force of impact a wearer receives may be any of those known in the art, such as HEAD IMPACT TELEMETRY™ by RIDDELL® or CHECKLIGHT™ by REEBOK®. These monitoring devices measure and record all significant head impacts and may alert the wearer or others to potentially harmful head impacts. For example, the HEAD IMPACT TELEMETRY™ system measures the location, magnitude, duration, and direction of head acceleration. CHECKLIGHT™ continuously monitors the impacts a wearer receives by coupling sensors directly to the head and provides a visual display, in the form of a small light at the neck of the wearer, of the impact severity, such that others are aware of the wearer's condition. Such monitoring devices may be used in conjunction with the present invention to provide an additional layer of confidence in the well-being of the wearer.

In some embodiments, the monitoring devices may be used to record data. The monitoring devices may be used for continuous monitoring in real time and/or may be used to store data for later review. The monitoring devices may be used with wireless communication services to allow for the transfer of data to one or more other devices. For example, the SIDELINE RESPONSE SYSTEM™ by RIDDELL® incorporates the HEAD IMPACT TELEMETRY™ system and a data service called TEAM ADMINISTRATOR DATA SERVICE™ to provide recorded information to registered users. The data service is an internet-enabled, data management and analysis system that allows instant access to the collected data. In certain embodiments, the impact reduction system comprises a data acquisition system developed for the impact reduction system of the invention. The data acquisition system may collect, record, evaluate, and/or transfer data regarding the impact reduction system to enable custom monitoring of the helmets and those wearing the helmets in the impact reduction system.

In another embodiment, the impact reduction system may comprise a neck pad, such as a cowboy collar, comprising magnetic material configured to repel the helmet on the wearer. FIG. 8 illustrates a cowboy collar 48 comprising magnetic material 14 in the neck region 49 of the cowboy collar. By incorporating magnetic material of the same polarity as that of the helmet the individual is wearing, one can mitigate the impact on the brain due to sudden distortion of the neck, commonly referred to as whiplash. Magnetic material in the cowboy collar exerts repulsive forces against magnetic material of the helmet, such as in the back region, to prevent the neck from quickly snapping backwards. Magnetic material of this neck pad and back region may be configured to exert weaker repulsive forces than those experienced between two helmets of the same polarity. Magnetic material may be located throughout the neck pad in various forms, and may be attached by any known method, such as an adhesive, by sowing the material into the neck pad, or by any mechanical fastener, such as straps.

In some embodiments, magnetic material may be located in body armor such as military body armor. For instance, the magnetic material may be located in a vest or jacket or other clothing material such that the magnetic material exerts repulsive forces against magnetic material of the helmet, such as in the back region, to prevent the neck from quickly snapping backwards. FIG. 10 illustrates a military vest 51 comprising magnetic material 14 in the back region 52 of the vest 51. Magnetic material of this body armor may be configured to exert weaker repulsive forces on the magnetic material of the helmet than those experienced between two helmets of the same polarity. Magnetic material may be located throughout the body armor in various forms, and may be attached by any known method, such as an adhesive, by sowing the material into body armor, or by any mechanical fastener, such as straps. The presence of the magnetic material in the body armor may mitigate the impact on the brain due to forced extension or sudden distortion of the neck. In many instances, military soldiers who have had a concussion or been in close proximity to explosions experience neck muscle spasms. The presence of the magnetic material in body armor may help mitigate or prevent the later occurrence of these neck spasms.

In certain other embodiments, the impact reduction system may be used to repel other magnetized objects such as the doors or the back of seats in a car, such as in a NASCAR® race car or military vehicle (e.g., armored vehicle). By balancing the repulsive forces exerted between the helmet and each of the doors to the car, the wearer's head may be maintained in a steady upright condition, preventing sudden rotational or axial distortion.

Another aspect of the invention includes a method of reducing the impact from a collision, the method comprising the steps of providing a helmet, comprising a structure configured to at least partially surround a head of a wearer and a first magnetic material disposed in the helmet in at least one region of the helmet, wherein the first magnetic material is configured to exert a magnetic repulsive force against a second helmet comprising a second magnetic material of the same polarity, such that the impact forces of a direct helmet-to-helmet collision is reduced or avoided. In an embodiment of the invention, the plurality of helmets comprises magnetic material of the same polarity. In certain embodiments of the invention, the method comprises repelling a first helmet of said plurality of helmets by the magnetic material of a second helmet of said plurality of helmets.

In certain other embodiments of the invention, the method further comprises providing a helmet comprising a sensor configured to collect data regarding force of impact the wearer receives. The sensor may be any of those described above.

The method of reducing the impact from a collision may be used for any activity where there is a likelihood of impact between two helmets. Indeed, the method may be used in athletic competitions, including but not limited to football; hockey; lacrosse; race car racing, such as in NASCAR®; or other such competitions utilizing protective headgear.

Examples

The following examples were conducted to test the ability of protective head gear in accordance with embodiments of the present invention to decrease impact forces experienced in helmet-to-helmet collisions.

As described below, two helmets were equipped with magnetic material positioned in the front region of each helmet. The helmets were then collided into each other and the impact forces (measured in max g forces (acceleration)) were measured at the time of impact. Sensors positioned in the helmet measure the g forces. The results are compared to control helmets that do not include the magnetic material.

Experimental Set Up

The experimental testing equipment comprised an apparatus having a pendulum style test rig to assess helmet-to-helmet impacts. The main structure of the apparatus was made from aluminum extrusion frame which functioned to give two pendulums a stable axis on which to swing. The pendulum length is 2 meters. The length of the pendulum was selected to allow the speed of the impacts to cover the range of speeds done in NOCSAE (National Operating Committee Standards for Athletic Equipment) helmet testing (3.46 to 5.46 m/s) without having to raise the helmet past 90 degrees. The pendulums included a bearing block, a tie rod, and the head and helmet assembly. The bearing block was made from machined aluminum and has two bearings pressed into it for smooth operation. There was also a pulley gear that screws into the side of the bearing block. The pulley had a belt on it which was connected to a pulley that was attached to a rotary potentiometer for data acquisition. The tie rod was ½ inch diameter all-thread. The head and helmet assembly included an angle adjustment mechanism, a head mount plate, a model head, and a football helmet. The angle adjustment mechanism in the instant example was made from a decorative flag mount. The head mount plate was a piece of ¼″ thick aluminum. The model head was a mannequin head from a retail display, and the helmets were each RIDDELL® VSR-4, size XL. The head was attached to the mounting plate with a single screw.

Magnetic material was attached to each helmet in the front region to simulate a direct helmet-to-helmet collision. In trials 1-10, the magnetic material was secured with duct tape. For these trials, four 40 lbs. neodymium-iron-boron magnets from K&J Magnetics, product number RX038DCB, Grade N42, were arranged in a square, potted with hot glue, and attached to the outside of the helmet in the front region. Each magnet was plated with Ni—Cu—Ni. Comparative trials 1-9 had no magnetic material attached to the helmet.

In Comparative trials 10-15, a dummy magnet comprising non-magnetic plastic from was potted with hot glue and attached to the front region of the helmet with duct tape to test the dampening effect of the resin. No magnetic material was used in these trials.

In trials 11-26, the magnetic material was secured to the helmets with bolts and screws. FIG. 9 provides a representation of the plurality of magnets used for these trials. The plurality of magnets was arranged in the front region of the helmet attached to the shell 12. Padding in the pad assembly 16 is also illustrated. As shown in FIG. 9, the plurality comprised five 40 lbs. magnets A, three 30 lbs. magnets B, and four 20 lbs. magnets C. These values are approximate pull forces. The 40 lbs. magnets were neodymium-iron-boron from K&J Magnetics (RX038DCB, Grade N42). The 30 lbs. magnets were neodymium-iron-boron from K&J Magnetics (RX054-N52, Grade N52). The 20 lbs. magnets were neodymium-iron-boron from K&J Magnetics (RX033CS-S, Grade N42). All of the magnets were plated with Ni—Cu—Ni.

The testing apparatus was outfitted with data acquisition equipment to measure the severity of the impacts. There are two parts to the data acquisition scheme. There is a HEAD IMPACT TELEMETRY™ (HIT™) system which consists of a sensor pack that is resident inside the helmets and reports impacts back to a computer via a wireless connection. Since these systems are used in on-field testing, this allows for a direct comparison between lab tests and impacts on the field. There was also a more traditional data acquisition system that had analog and digital inputs that record data to a computer that is wired to it. The system reads signals from a rotary potentiometer that is mechanically linked to the pivot axis of each pendulum to measure the angle during a test run. There is also a 3 axis accelerometer mounted to the aluminum base to measure the acceleration of the head. The data recorder used was an OMEGA® OMB-DAQ-3000.

Experimental Procedure

The testing apparatus used in the examples is capable of multiple test configurations, including helmet-to-helmet collisions with one or both helmets set in motion. It can also be setup to do single helmet collisions with one helmet colliding with a solid wall. All of the results in the current study were done with a helmet-to-helmet collision with one of the helmets set in motion. This procedure was done to simulate a linebacker sacking a stationary quarterback, and in part because it is a more repeatable test than setting both helmets in motion.

Each test started by initializing both the HIT™ and the traditional data system. Then the helmet that was to be put in motion (“Hitter”) was raised to a specific angle based on the output of the rotary potentiometer. The stationary helmet (“Receiver”) was settled by hand to damp its oscillation. Once the hitter helmet was at the desired test angle, the helmet was released and allowed to impact the receiver helmet while the data systems recorded the impact. Drop angles of 20 and 25 degrees were used for all of the testing. A 25 degree start angle results in about a 50 g impact for the control helmets, and a 20 degree drop angle results in a 40 g impact for the control helmets.

Test Results.

Table 1 includes results for testing in which the magnetic material was attached to the helmets via duct tape. Table 2 is the average results of the data presented in Table 1 and compares the average values for the trial utilizing a magnet verse those without a magnet in both the 20° and 25° trials, respectively.

TABLE 1 Magnetic material attached with duct tape Nominal Nominal Max Max Hitter Start Receiver Start Acceleration Acceleration Angle Angle Hitter Receiver Trial (°) (°) (g) (g) Comparative 25 0 52 41.4 Trial 1 Comparative 25 0 51.6 39.4 Trial 2 Comparative 25 0 56.8 36.4 Trial 3 Comparative 25 0 52.8 32.8 Trial 4 Comparative 25 0 54.4 44.4 Trial 5  1^(a) 25 0 31.5 26.5  2 25 0 30.2 23.8  3 25 0 33.7 27.4  4 25 0 37 26.5  5 25 0 36 27.7  6^(b) 20 0 21.3 17.3  7 20 0 18.8 13.9  8 20 0 22.1 19.3  9 20 0 20.7 21.4 10 20 0 21.1 20.6 Comparative 20 0 45.5 32.8 Trial 6 Comparative 20 0 44.5 32.3 Trial 7 Comparative 20 0 48.9 35.2 Trial 8 Comparative 20 0 42.2 33.9 Trial 9 ^(a)Magnets attached to the outside of each helmet in the front region with duct tape. ^(b)Batteries for the HIT ™ system were replaced.

TABLE 2 Average acceleration for trials with magnetic material and trials with no magnetic material Max g average Rotational Acceleration Drop Angle Hitter Receiver Hitter Receiver (°) Magnet (g) (g) (rad/s²) (rad/s²) 20 No 45.3 33.6 2234 330 20 Yes 20.8 18.5 984 575 25 No 53.5 38.9 2839 763 25 Yes 33.7 26.4 1664 651

Table 3 includes results for testing in which a dummy magnet comprising non-magnetic plastic in hot glue taped to each of the helmets.

TABLE 3 Dummy magnet Nominal Nominal Max Max Hitter Start Receiver Start Acceleration Acceleration Trial Angle (°) Angle (°) Hitter (g) Receiver (g) Comparative 25 0 31.8 24.6 Trial 10 Comparative 25 0 40.4 28.6 Trial 11 Comparative 25 0 37.4 33 Trial 12 Comparative 25 0 42.8 32.7 Trial 13 Comparative 25 0 31.3 26.3 Trial 14 Comparative 20 0 18.4 22.1 Trial 15

Tables 4 and 5 include results for testing in which the magnetic material was bolted to each of the helmets. Table 5 is the average results of the data presented in Table 4. Please note due to issues with the helmets slipping on the mannequin or poor positioning at impact, some of the trials listed below were removed from consideration for the average results. The data in Table 5 were compared to the averages for the Comparative trials listed in Table 1 where no magnet was attached to the helmet.

TABLE 4 Magnetic material bolted to helmet Nominal Nominal Max Max Hitter Start Receiver Start Acceleration Acceleration Angle Angle Hitter Receiver Trial Magnet (°) (°) (g) (g) 11 Yes 20 0 33.3 39.3 12^(a) Yes 20 0 26.9 21.1 13 Yes 20 0 34.8 30.4 14^(a,b) Yes 20 0 41.8 27.4 15 Yes 20 0 32.8 27.7 16 Yes 20 0 31.1 23.1 17 Yes 20 0 36.7 27.9 18^(a) Yes 20 0 28.5 19.4 19^(a) Yes 25 0 47.4 38.4 20^(a) Yes 25 0 25.7 21.1 21 Yes 25 0 38.8 32.7 22^(a) Yes 25 0 46.9 33.7 23 Yes 25 0 40.8 30.8 24 Yes 25 0 36 33.3 25 Yes 25 0 33.7 33.7 26^(a) Yes 25 0 38.7 27.1 ^(a)Either one or both helmets did not collide properly (e.g. one may have slipped down on the mannequin or there was poor positioning at impact). ^(b)The positioning of the helmets were fixed.

TABLE 5 Average acceleration for trials with magnetic material bolted to helmet and trials with no magnetic material Drop Max g average Rotational Acceleration Angle Hitter Receiver Hitter Receiver (°) Magnet (g) (g) (rad/s²) (rad/s²) 20 No 45.3 33.6 2234 330 20 Yes 33.7 26 1552 837 25 No 53.3 37.5 2646 157 25 Yes 37.6 32.8 2259 895

From the results above, it can be seen that the magnetic material can help to significantly reduce the impact forces resulting from helmet-to-helmet collisions.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. 

That which is claimed:
 1. A helmet comprising: a structure configured to at least partially surround a head of a wearer and a first magnetic material disposed in the helmet in at least one region of the helmet, wherein the first magnetic material is configured to exert a magnetic repulsive force against a second helmet comprising a second magnetic material of the same polarity, such that the impact forces of a direct helmet-to-helmet collision is reduced or avoided.
 2. The helmet of claim 1, wherein the structure further comprises a pad assembly and a shell configured to at least partially surround a head of a wearer, the shell comprising an outer surface and an inner surface.
 3. The helmet of claim 2, wherein the magnetic material is adjacent to the outer surface, the inner surface, the pad assembly, or combinations thereof.
 4. The helmet of claim 2, wherein the magnetic material is incorporated in the pad assembly.
 5. The helmet of claim 2, wherein the shell comprises magnetic material configured to at least partially surround a head of a wearer.
 6. The helmet of claim 2, wherein the shell comprises a composite material comprising magnetic material.
 7. The helmet of claim 6, wherein the composite comprises a resin and magnetic particles.
 8. The helmet of claim 7, wherein the magnetic particles are in powder form.
 9. The helmet of claim 7, wherein the magnetic particles are nanoparticles.
 10. The helmet of claim 1, wherein the helmet comprises a front region, a crown region, lateral regions, and a back region, wherein at least one of the front region, crown region, lateral regions, and back region comprises the magnetic material.
 11. The helmet of claim 1, wherein the magnetic material comprises a plurality of magnets.
 12. The helmet of claim 1, wherein the magnetic material comprises a rare earth magnet.
 13. The helmet of claim 1, wherein the magnetic material comprises neodymium, samarium, or combinations thereof.
 14. The helmet of claim 1, wherein the helmet further comprises at least one sensor configured to collect data regarding force of impact the wearer receives.
 15. The helmet of claim 13, wherein the helmet further comprises at least one sensor configured to transfer data regarding force of impact the wearer receives.
 16. The helmet of claim 2, wherein the pad assembly comprises crushable foam, pressurized fluid, or combinations thereof.
 17. The helmet of claim 1, wherein the helmet further comprises a facemask disposed to at least partially cover the face of the wearer and the facemask comprises magnetic material.
 18. The helmet of claim 1, wherein the magnetic material is coated, plated, or combinations thereof.
 19. The helmet of claim 18, wherein the magnetic material is coated with at least one of an epoxy, paralyene, polytetrafluoroethylene, and polyisoprene.
 20. The helmet of claim 18, wherein the magnetic material is plated with at least one of nickel, copper, zinc, gold, silver, tin, titanium, titanium nitride, and chromium.
 21. The helmet of claim 1, wherein the first magnetic material is configured to exert a repulsive force greater than 20 pounds force against the second helmet comprising the second magnetic material of the same polarity.
 22. The helmet of claim 1, wherein the first magnetic material is configured to exert a repulsive force greater than 40 pounds force against the second helmet comprising the second magnetic material of the same polarity.
 23. An impact reduction system comprising a plurality of helmets, each of said helmets comprises a structure configured to at least partially surround a head of a wearer and a first magnetic material disposed in a first helmet of the plurality of helmets in at least one region of the helmet, wherein the first magnetic material is configured to exert a magnetic repulsive force against a second helmet comprising a second magnetic material of the same polarity, such that the impact forces of a direct helmet-to-helmet collision is reduced or avoided.
 24. The impact reduction system of claim 23, wherein the plurality of helmets comprise magnetic material of the same polarity.
 25. The impact reduction system of claim 23, wherein the impact reduction system further comprises a sensor configured to collect data regarding force of impact a wearer receives.
 26. A method of reducing the impact from a collision, the method comprising the steps of: providing a helmet comprising a structure configured to at least partially surround a head of a wearer and a first magnetic material disposed in the helmet in at least one region of the helmet, wherein the first magnetic material is configured to exert a magnetic repulsive force against a second helmet comprising a second magnetic material of the same polarity, such that the impact forces of a direct helmet-to-helmet collision is reduced or avoided.
 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the method further comprises providing a plurality of helmets comprising magnetic material of the same polarity.
 28. The method of claim 26, wherein the method further comprises deflecting a first helmet of said plurality of helmets by the magnetic material of a second helmet of said plurality of helmets. 